Wolfpack to honor defender's deceased dad

RALEIGH — North Carolina State defensive end Darian Roseboro, whose father died during the weekend, is expected to play Saturday at Pittsburgh.

Roseboro, a junior from Lincolnton, is a backup who rotates in regularly along the Wolfpack’s stout defensive front.

N.C. State coach Dave Doeren said the team's players will wear a helmet decal in memory of Johnny Roseboro, who died Saturday at age 43.

— RICHARDSON, FINLEY HONORED: N.C. State offensive tackle Will Richardson, a redshirt junior from Burlington, was named the Offensive Lineman of the Week in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Richardson, a Cummings High School graduate, graded out at 96 percent in the team’s 39-25 victory against Louisville. He was on the field for all 73 of the team’s snaps on offense, perhaps a key part of helping the Wolfpack to 520 yards of total offense because two other linemen missed time when they went out with injuries.

N.C. State quarterback Ryan Finley was dubbed the ACC’s Offensive Back of the Week after throwing for 367 yards and a touchdown. He’s second in ACC history with an active streak of 288 consecutive passes without an interception — 223 of those have come this season.

— LINEBACKERS OUT: N.C. State’s depth at linebacker has taken a significant hit.

Doeren said that Riley Nicholson, a junior who had been considered the Wolfpack’s top reserve linebacker, has decided to end his playing career.

Nicholson suffered a concussion on the opening kickoff of season against South Carolina. Doeren said it’s Nicholson’s second concussion.

Nicholson appeared in 25 career games with five starts.

Also, Brock Miller, a redshirt freshman, will have season-ending shoulder surgery. He had played on special teams and was a backup linebacker.

— MOVING UP: By climbing to No. 20 in the national rankings, N.C. State holds its highest spot on the polls since early in the 2003 season.

With victories against Florida State and Louisville, N.C. State has defeated two ranked teams in the same season for the first time since 2006. However, neither of those teams is ranked any more.